The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends patients with severely compromised immune systems a third dose of the mRNA vaccine against Covid-19.
– It is believed that the offer may soon come into force in municipalities as well as in hospitals. Provided it is practically possible. Norwegian Institute of Health The Public Committee also recommends that the group with a severely weakened immune system be defined as clearly as possible, writes NIZP in response to the request of the Ministry of Health.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health also writes that it is now believed that there is no reason to revaccinate other groups, for example the oldest part of the population. However, this may change in the future, declares the NIZP. They indicate that it is still uncertain how long protection against Covid-19 lasts after vaccination with mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna). They believe that the duration depends on the age and health of the vaccinated person, as well as on the further development of the virus and the epidemic.
Lower immune response
Adult immunocompromised patients have an increased risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19. In addition, several studies have shown that immunocompromised patients have a weaker immune response after two doses of the vaccine than people with normal immunity.
- Experience with other vaccines has shown that some groups of patients with severely weakened immune systems achieve a higher degree of protection after one or more additional doses. While some groups of patients do not achieve protection even after revaccination, writes the NIPP.
At the beginning of the month, Denmark also decided that these patient groups should receive a third dose. An active research project is underway at Akerhus University Hospital. There, patients are treated with immunosuppression drugs and then receive a third dose of the vaccine, called Nor-Vac.
Cancer patients and organ transplant recipients
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends a third dose of the vaccine to the following groups of patients:
- Organ transplant or bone marrow transplant in the last 2 years. An ongoing graft disease that requires immunosuppression after evaluation by your treating specialist.
- Severe and primary moderate immunodeficiency.
- Cancer patients with active or recent immunosuppressive therapy.
- Patients with active dialysis and stage XNUMX chronic renal failure.
- Advanced or untreated HIV.
- Ongoing immunosuppressive treatment for other reasons as indicated by your specialist health care provider.
- Patients considered by an appropriate medical professional to be severely immunocompromised and not belonging to any of the above groups. Age alone is not currently considered a reason for the third dose.
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